Formin emphasizes importance of Tartu Peace Treaty in Estonian history

2019-12-04

BNS/TBT Staff

TALLINN - Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu emphasized the importance of the Tartu Peace Treaty in the history of Estonia on the 100th anniversary of the start of the treaty negotiations on Wednesday.

"A hundred years ago today, the most important international negotiations for Estonia began. Two months later, thanks to the efforts of our peace delegation, Estonia and Soviet Russia signed the Tartu Peace Treaty and the Republic of Estonia was born de jure," Reinsalu was quoted by ministry spokespeople as saying.

Whereas the Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia (Estonian Declaration of Independence) was the start of a hopeful future for the Estonian state, Reinsalu said the Tartu Peace Treaty is proof of our maturity as a state and it is the first great achievement of the young Republic of Estonia in international communication.

"Even though we had de facto diplomatic relations with several states before the Tartu Peace Treaty, it was only after it was signed that Estonia was able to assume its place in the international community. This is why, in addition to the Tartu Peace Treaty, the coming months and years will see us celebrate anniversaries of establishing diplomatic relations with many countries," the minister said.

Reinsalu said that as with every important treaty, we must remember the diplomatic skills and hard work that preceded the signing. "Today, candles will be lit to commemorate the members of our peace delegation: Jaan Poska, Mait Puumann/Puumets, Ants Piip, Julius Seljamaa and Jaan Soots. In Tartu and across Estonia, celebrations will be held between January 27 and February 3, 2020 to remember, evaluate and recognize one of the founding documents of our state in a fitting way," Reinsalu said.

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